1 in 5 members choose to seek support from HelloSelf due to stress. Here's how you can recognise & manage it.

1 in 5 members choose to seek support from HelloSelf due to stress-related reasons. Stress is a common experience for many of us and it can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health if left unmanaged.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year that they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. This highlights how common stress is in the UK and the importance of taking steps to manage it. Chronic stress is also linked to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. So it's important to take steps to manage stress in our lives and ensure our well-being.

One way to reduce stress is to practise relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These techniques can help calm your mind and body and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Practising mindfulness can be a helpful tool in managing stress. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgement. It can help you become more aware of your stress triggers and learn to respond to them in a more effective way. You can practise mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or simply by taking a few moments throughout the day to focus on your breath and tune in to your body and surroundings. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you may find that you're better able to manage stress and feel more grounded and centred.

Another way to manage stress is to stay active and engage in regular physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels. It doesn't have to be anything too strenuous - even a daily walk can make a big difference. A study published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal found that regular physical activity is associated with a 43% reduction in the risk of developing depression.

Finally, it's important to take care of your overall health and well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated. When we take care of ourselves, we're better equipped to handle stress and the challenges that come our way.

But often we already know all the things we ‘should’ be doing to help reduce stress, but either we find it hard to prioritise doing them or they don’t seem to be being as effective as we’d hoped. If you are struggling with stress and need support, HelloSelf offers online therapy and coaching services that can help. Our therapists are trained to help you manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, and we're here to support you every step of the way.